Letter to the Editor: Education Foundation Overwhelmed with Grant Requests from Schools

Years of massive budget cuts, declining enrollment and loss of state funds have obviously taken a toll on the schools in Rohnert Park and Cotati. So far this year, the Education Foundation of Cotati and Rohnert Park has raised $51,000 to donate as grants to local schools and teachers, but the foundation has received more than double that in grant requests.

The foundation, which was established as a nonprofit in Rohnert Park in 1983, at this point isn't able to fund $56,000 of requests that have been submitted. Monies are given for things such as school supplies, arts programs and field trips. Last year the foundation raised $43,000 in to donate, and received $108,000 in grant requests.

Message from President of the Education Foundation, Vera Blanquie:  

Every grant is worthy of being fulfilled. You — the community, the parents and the teachers can still make a difference. Perhaps there are angels out there that would like to make donations towrd fulfilling more teacher grants. If you'd like to make a donation, large or small, it will make a huge difference for our teachers, schools, our students and our children.

Every child deserves the best learning opportunities possible. This is our chance to help make that a reality. Unfortunately, with the millions of dollars in budget cuts over the last few years, our kids need our help now more than ever. We appreciate your consideration of this very worthy cause.

If you'd like to make a donation toward fulfilling more grants, call me at 765-4932 or visit the Education Foundation of Rohnert Park-Cotati website at www.efcrp.org. 

You have the power to make a diffrence in our community!

Thank you, 

Vera Blanquie, President